October 2009 Trustee Meeting Summary

The Bethel University Board of Trustees met on Thursday, October 8, and Friday, October 9.

Features of this meeting:

+ This is the first of several meetings in which the administration will provide a close analysis of one of the schools of the university, with an emphasis on how each contributes to Bethel’s mission. This meeting gave the trustees an in-depth look at Bethel Seminary, including an examination of issues of institutional structure, financial matters, facilities, and programming. This will lead to a carefully grounded strategic plan for the next several years.

+ This was the first meeting with David Clark serving as provost. He and David Ridder shared elements of the Seminary AD2018 vision document, the result of a two-year process to help determine the future trajectory of the seminary.

+ Kathleen Nelson, Joe LaLuzerne, and Bruce Anderson presented information on institutional finances and facilities, with a special emphasis on progress in seminary finances.

+ The board adopted a Board Policy Manual, which the trustees and the administration have been working on since last January. This set of guidelines ensures that the trustees will focus on strategic issues and support faculty and administrators as they move forward.

+ There was extensive committee work to review Bethel’s resources and financial picture as the new academic year begins. One committee, Co-Curricular Programs, met three times during the two days, beginning on Wednesday evening. The Facilities and Forecasting Committee and the University Relations Committee met jointly on Thursday morning to discuss fundraising issues on two proposed construction projects—the expansion of Bethel Seminary San Diego and a fitness center for the St. Paul campus. Later, the Facilities and Forecasting Committee did a walk-through of the seminary academic complex to consider how the facilities can be made more accessible.

+ In order to gain an external perspective on seminary issues, the trustees welcomed Jeanette Hsieh, provost of Trinity International University and recent interim president, who discussed the relationship of Trinity’s seminary, college, and law school. Later, David Tiede, president emeritus of Luther Seminary and professor at Augsburg College, spoke on the opportunity to integrate the seminary more fully into the university.

Appointments and Sabbaticals
October is also a time for routine but important business to be ratified, confirmed, or directed by the trustees. Board actions included confirmation of appointments of one-year faculty positions in athletic training, business, and nursing; promotions of Nancy Brule and Keith Brooks; and renewal of tenure for Sandi Weightman. The trustees approved sabbatical proposals for a number of CAS faculty members, contingent on the availability of funding.

David Ridder, who has served in an acting role this year, was confirmed as vice president and dean of Bethel Seminary. He will serve in a “first among equals” role with John Lillis of Bethel Seminary San Diego and Doug Fombelle of Bethel Seminary of the East.

Salaries, Insurance Premiums, and Other Insurance Changes

+ The Trustees reviewed their prior decision to freeze salaries for this academic year.  While there is record CAS enrollment, the additional CAS financial aid requirements and other continued economic challenges confirmed this necessary decision.

+ On the encouraging side, there will not be increases in health, dental, or life insurance employee premium costs for 2010. The HealthPartners Frequent Fitness Program is being added this year, and there will be lower copays for visits to convenience/retail clinics. The other plan change for 2010 will be adding an in-network deductible for non-copay charges (e.g., deductible would apply to hospitalizations but not office visits or prescriptions). Further explanation and information will be given as part of Open Enrollment later this month.

+ As part of managing benefits costs, there will be adjustments to some prior practice for early retiree medical options. Those employees who remain qualified will be contacted by Human Resources directly.

Federal Research Funds
The trustees listened to a report regarding the possibility of a change in policy in accepting federal research funds, building on conversations within the cabinet over the last year and Deb Harless’ presentation to the Academic Programs Committee in January. Discussion answered many of the Trustees questions, and we will research others that were raised. The administration and the Trustees will renew this conversation in January.

Other Business
In another piece of business, the full board authorized the Executive Committee to serve as a seminary advisory board, fulfilling an important requirement for accreditation under the standards of the Association of Theological Schools. This replaces the separate Seminary Committee, which operated in previous years, and brings seminary matters to a central role for the trustees.

Finally, the trustees approved naming a space in the library in honor of retiring director Robert Suderman, the location to be determined later.